In this comprehensive, well-reasoned, critical, richly documented and boldly argued account on the Anglophone/Southern Cameroons/Ambazonia crisis, John Forje, a foremost scholar of identity politics in Cameroon, offers insightful explorations and explanations of histories and cultures of telling truth to power that have come to be associated with the people of the English-speaking region of Cameroon. The book offers realistic perspectives for the reinstitution of justice, equality, and democratic governance in a country of plenty but lavishing in endemic underdevelopment. Forje argues, among other things, that the current Anglophone crisis is the exhibition of one reality: that more than half-a-century after independence and unification, most Cameroonians are grossly disillusioned with their leaders. The country has had only two presidents since independence - Ahmadou Ahidjo and Paul Biya, with the latter occupying the presidency for 40 years since 1982 and counting. If something concrete is not undertaken now, the cleavages of division would widen to a dangerous end. Dark clouds hang over the future of the country. Uncertainty about national unity and stability is hardly a solid foundation for a country aspiring to be an emerging polity by 2035. There is an urgent need for a broader dimension of political dispensation in Cameroon. The book calls for proper soul-searching, critical analysis, and a new, comprehensive and visionary mindset to build a new country out of the ashes of the existing crumbling or failed polity. The need to re-rail Cameroon on the democratic train and on the path of sustainable development cannot be overemphasized.
Author(s): John W. Forje
Publisher: Langaa RPCIG
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 679
City: Bamenda
Cover
Title page
Copyright page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Contents
Preface
Foreword
Introduction. Setting the Records Straight
The Politics of Suffering and Smiling!
The Barometer of Fear of Unification Insolvency: Fighting Back
Civil Disobedience
The Francophone Mind
The Anglophone Mind
The External Conspiracy
The Myth of Unification
The British Southern Cameroons Needs International Involvement
The Codes of “Honour and of Human Rights”
Escape, Acceptance and Fear
Conclusion: Our Future is our Choice – But Justice and Peace Needed
References
Chapter One - Presidential Call For A National Dialogue
Introduction
Statement of His Excellency Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister, Head of Government, on The Occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Major National Dialogue.
Chapter Two - Fallouts of the Dialogue
Interview: Post-National Dialogue Views Biya’s Dialogue Was a Non-Event Sissiku Ayuk
Devolution of Power Must be Central in “Special Status” Agbor Balla
African Union Must Act on Cameroon’s Human Rights Violations
Consider Yaoundé Gathering a Step Not a Solution Christopher Fomunyoh
Chapter Three - Southern Cameroons in a Ring of FireIs There a Way Out?
Live and Let Live
Inclusive Justice and Peace are Indivisible
Awareness of the Danger
Arguments for an Optimistic View
Divergent Francophone Views
Are there Parallels!
Conclusion: From Democracy to Centralised Authoritarian Hegemonic Rule!
References
Chapter Four - Opening the Scroll-Unveiling the National Dialogue Conference
Introduction
The Force of Argument and The Argument of Force
The Forgotten Genocide
Leadership Imperatives And The Malaise
The Failed Consensus of Anglophone Politicians
Conclusion
References
Chapter Five - Governmental Power and Democratic Citizenry Structure, Strategy and Institutional Roles
Introduction
State Capture and Returning Power to the People
Presence Neither Wanted Nor Appreciated
References
Chapter Six - The Special Status Jamboree Are We Anglophones or Anglo-fouls!? The Great Expectation That Never Was!
Introduction
What Does Special Status Mean?
References
Chapter Seven - Building A Shared Common Future Hopes and Dreams shattered or what! Addressing Daunting Challenges
Failed State Construct
Southern Cameroons under Threat
References
Chapter Eight - Thinking in the Android Age Opening the Gates of Return – We Have a Mission
Introduction
Special Status: A Blessing or Curse!?
The Role of the Media
References
Chapter Nine - The Extra Ordinary Session of the Legislative Assemblies: Remembrance, Awareness, Responsibility
Introduction
Undermining Democracy but Hailing Autocracy
References
Chapter Ten - From the Presidential To The Twin Elections
Introduction: Priority Indication of Democracy and Good Governance
The Double-Edge of Cameroons Democracies
Difficult Form of Governance
Why the Rush!
References
Chapter Eleven - Resources for a Journey of Hope
Introduction: The Vagaries’ of Colonial Rule and The New Neo-Colonial Policy
References
Chapter Twelve - Searching for Decent Democracy or Perpetuating a Domineering State?
Why Not Let the People Go!
References
Conclusion - War and Peace: The Last Enemy or Friend! Looking Back to The Future
Introduction: Unlocking the Gate of No Return and Building the Bridge of Unity not Destruction
On the Innovation Journey
The March for Independence that has yet to be
The Peaceful March for Independence by elderly Women – When Will it Come?
The Shadow and Consequences of Exit
References
Appendices
Back cover
